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(concert review) Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Planotones, The Platters and Shirley Alston Reeves headline Doo-Wop Night at Queens College Norman Wasserman and his team at Friends Entertainment continue to play a major part in helping the Queens and Long Island sections of New York reign as the leading centers of doo-wop. On any given weekend, this organization brings out a bevy of legendary artists to perform their classic recordings in sold out auditoriums filled with fans that are looking to take a trip down memory lane. A Touch of Classic Soul attended one of Friends’ recent events—a sold-out show at Queens College—that featured Herb Reed’s Platters; Kenny Vance and the Planotones; Shirley Alston Reeves, former lead singer of the Shirelles; and Jay and the Americans. First up was Shirley Alston Reeves, who did not miss a beat, as she brought back all of the Shirelles’ hit recordings that had put them at the forefront of the “girl group era” of 1961-63. With Cassie Hawkins and Iris Lammers providing backgrounds, Reeves quickly proved to be in fine form vocally, as she opened with “Mama Said.” She then delivered a sultry version of “Baby, It’s You,” while a spirited lead and angelic background harmony were on display for “Tonight’s the Night.” The audience must have been waiting for “Foolish Little Girl” because they gave Reeves a huge ovation after the first two notes. She carried this momentum into “Everybody Loves a Lover,” for which she really got the crowd jumping. Following a shout-out to her former singing partners Beverly Lee, and the late Micki Harris and Doris Coley, Reeves received her biggest ovation for “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” She then paid tribute to the soldiers overseas, as she closed with “Soldier Boy.” Brooklyn’s own Kenny Vance and the Planotones followed, and their set was filled with good, fun dance music. To say that this outfit works often would be an understatement, and I now see why they have such a strong following. Vance can flat out carry a tune, the group maintained great vocal ability, and the audience knew virtually every lyric to their songs. A natural born performer, Vance often interacted with the crowd, which was greatly appreciated. The group displayed great 1950s street corner harmony, as they closed with “Looking for an Echo” and “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight.” Needless to say, Vance and the Planotones received quite a lengthy standing ovation. There must be hundreds of vocal groups going around calling themselves the Platters, but the real deal is the unit headed by Herb Reed, the only living original member. It’s not easy following Vance and the Planotones, but this quintet was up to the task. They opened with “Twilight Time” and “The Magic Touch,” which were done very well. With enough of their own legendary songs, they could’ve done without a rendition of the Temptations’ “My Girl.” However, they more than made up for it with “My Prayer.” Lead singer William Newton, who has been with Reed for ten years, flat out tore this tune up. The audience didn’t wait until the group’s set was completed; they gave the group a standing ovation right then and there. If “My Prayer” set the tone, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” was Newton’s tour de force. The Platters closed with “Only You” and “The Great Pretender,” and received a well deserved standing ovation. After a short break, the audience was treated to Friends mainstays Sammy Sax and the MDs featuring Leslie Anderson, who also serves as lead vocalist of the Dubs. This unit knows how to entertain an audience, and got the crowd revved up with “That’s Why (I Love You So)” and “Rockin’ Robin’.” Denise Sergi then stepped to the mike and gave a grand performance of the Dreamgirls standard “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.” Jay and the Americans closed the show, and they proved to be well worth the wait. Their distinctive sound that made them one of the most popular groups of the ’60s came across on their medley of hits, particularly on “Only in America and “She Cried.” A great concert is to be expected of any affair that Friends Entertainment is part of, and this expectation was met, as there was not a disappointed face in the crowd. For further information on Friends Entertainment: “The Music That Will Live Forever,” please visit www.friendentertainment.com or call (631) 698-9696 Marc Taylor Editor / Publisher A Touch of Classic Soul: The Music You Love from Back in the Day aloivta@aol.com Friend Entertainment http://friendentertainment.com Toll Free: 877 770-9696 Local: 631 698-9696 |
